Venue Description

Using great storytelling, beautiful design and 21st century technology, the centre tells the fascinating and moving story of the king’s life and death, and reveals one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told. On the ground floor of the Visitor Centre, Dynasty tells the much debated story of the king’s life and times in a medieval England racked by decades of fighting in the Wars Of The Roses. Visitors will be able to discover the story behind Richard’s rise to power as the last king from the great house of Plantagenet and the reforms he made during his short reign. Death gives visitors the chance to learn about the Battle of Bosworth and how betrayal led to the king being cut down in the thick of battle while defending his crown and his return to Leicester. On the first floor, Discovery unearths the astonishing story of the research, archaeology, science and painstaking analysis that led to the discovery and identification of the long-lost remains of the king. Exhibits include both a partial and the full facial reconstruction, giving visitors the chance to see the work in progress and the final reconstruction of Richard. There is also a replica of Richard’s skeleton, printed using 3D technology. The skeleton clearly shows his curved spine, as well as his battle injuries, including the fatal blow. Through interactive displays, visitors will be able to match up DNA and discover the process used to identify the remains. A suit of armour is also on display and those visiting the exhibition will be able to learn how it protected the wearer. Visitors return to the ground floor to complete their experience with a visit to the site of King Richard’s burial, preserved in a quiet, respectful setting and with a contemplative atmosphere, fitting for the last resting place of a slain warrior and anointed monarch.

Accessibility

Level Access - There is level access from the main entrance to the shop. - From the main entrance to the exhibition there is a slope, this is 2.8m wide, with a 2.3m wide doorway at the top. - The rest of the ground floor exhibition is level access. - There are gradual slopes on two approaches to the courtyard. - There is level access from the ground floor exhibition to the café. - At the entrance to the first-floor exhibition there is a slight slope, the rest of the first-floor exhibition is level access. Hearing There is a hearing loop at both ticket desks for hearing aid users. Visitors can bring a carer to assist. - Some of the exhibits include audio content, and most of these are accompanied by on-screen subtitles. - In addition to subtitles, the King Richard III Visitor Centre app can be downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet and provides transcripts of all the audio in the exhibition, as well as additional information. Instructions on how to download the app are at the end of this guide; and staff can assist with this. - A personal guided BSL tour can be arranged for visitors who are d/Deaf. To arrange a BSL tour please contact us by email: info@kriii.com in advance of your visit. Visual - Most of the exhibition is made up of visual and text panels and includes some video content. Visitors can bring a carer to assist. - A personal guided tour can be arranged for visitors with visual impairment and to arrange this, please contact us by email: info@kriii.com or phone: 0116 229 4132 in advance of your visit. - A large print version of our guide book is also available in the gift shop, for £3.50. - Assistance dogs are welcome at the Visitor Centre and water bowls are provided – just ask a member of staff who will be happy to assist you. - Some parts of the venue have low lighting. General - There is no admission charge for carers; please note that tickets for carers can only be obtained on the day of the visit and are not bookable in advance. - Evac-Chairs are located at the top of each stairwell and all staff are trained in their use, on an annual basis. - Some areas of the exhibition require the ability to navigate tight angles.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://kriii.com/your-visit/facilities-and-accessibility

Awards List

We are part of the Visit England Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS).

Toilets

There is a unisex accessible toilet located at the back of the exhibition, next to the stone stairwell, on the ground floor. Please note we do not have hoist facilities in the toilet.

Staff

A BSL tour is available, to arrange this, please contact us in advance of your visit. All front of house staff have annual accessibility training.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Dogs can be exercised in the Cathedral Gardens area just outside the Visitor Centre.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water bowls can be provided.